A self-styled Maoist platoon commander, who had a reward of Rs.1 lakh on his head, was shot dead by police in a gun battle on Monday in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, officials said.
Bastar Inspector General of Police S.R.P. Kalluri and Sukma Superintendent of Police D. Shravan said they received information on Monday morning about Maoist leaders, including their commander Kartam Deva, were hiding in a forest near Burumpara village.
As police reached the area, the Maoists opened fire at the police personnel. Police retaliated, and in the hour-long operation, the 'platoon commander' was killed.
A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the slain insurgent.